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W. S. Lincoln describes soldiers of the 34th Massachusetts receiving a new clothing issue and singing "Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be" as they burned their old threads. Somewhere else I read that the same song was played or sung after military funerals, while marching back from the cemetery.

Favorites, but more post-war

I would just say that Southern Soldier, When Johnny Comes Marching home and Goober Peas were all attributed so late in the war they likely weren't sung by troops much during the war. GAR and Confed. post-war groups sure liked 'em.

I would just say that Southern Soldier, When Johnny Comes Marching home and Goober Peas were all attributed so late in the war they likely weren't sung by troops much during the war. GAR and Confed. post-war groups sure liked 'em.

When Johnny Comes Marching Home was first published in 1863. I think it was wildly popular, at least with civilians, from 1863 to 1865. Goober Peas was first published in 1866, so you may be right about that one. When was Southern Soldier first published?

On the other hand, a song being published in 1861 didn't guarantee wartime popularity either. Availability doesn't necessarily translate into popularity.

Then you have all the sea chanteys popular with reenactors, but were they all popular with soldiers during the 1860s? And what about Minstrel Boy?

But I suppose this thread is about reenactors' favorite period music not favorite songs of 1861-1865.